David loved his son Solomon. In wanting the very best for him, he gave his son–and us–the wisest counsel a person could ever give to someone they cared about. To realize the potential of what God has called us to be, we must heed the charge that David gives his son Solomon: walk in God’s ways.
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Perhaps one of the greatest responsibilities of our ‘kingdom rule’, if not the most significant, comes in the form of parenting. It is not only the length of time that we have with our children, but when in their lives that influence occurs: when they are most vulnerable and in great need of someone who will love them through the many years of development; the trying, failing, and sometimes succeeding at getting life right. A role we play until we breathe our last breath. And if we have ‘ruled’ with grace and truth, we will have earned the opportunity to speak into their lives at the end of ours, just as we had at the beginning of theirs.
Following the drama of a near coup, the second chapter of 1 Kings begins with a charge to Solomon from his father, King David. David acknowledges that he is very near the end of his life, and in his remaining moments calls his son Solomon to his side and says this:
“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”
1 Kings 2:2-4 (ESV)
When David says “be strong”, he is saying be ‘man strong’. Answering the call of manhood requires the strengthening of the necessary ingredients of being a man. This isn’t just about being a king, but being who we were created to be. This strength–who we are called to be–is put on display by our keeping the “charge of the Lord.” Not for praise or admiration, but for what it communicates and what it will accomplish.
Keep the charge of the Lord
David was all too familiar with the consequences of going his own way. In fact, looking into Solomon’s eyes–his son with Bathsheba–had to remind him of where sin took him, and at the same time, the grace with which God responded. You can hear David’s agony as he confesses to God in Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love… wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Ps. 51:1-2)
And no doubt with similar passion, he commands Solomon to walk in God’s ways. This was not just current king to soon-to-be king, but man to man, and father to son–anything but a casual conversation.
You can picture David beckoning Solomon to come close. Drawing on his remaining strength, he looks his son in the eyes with a father’s hope and a man’s conviction, and implores to be more than he ever was by staying on God’s narrow path.
Walking in God’s ways
What exactly is meant by “God’s ways”? David says that Solomon should keep God’s statutes, commandments, rules, and testimonies. But aren’t they all essentially the same? Why does he call out these four? First, we should understand that we’re all to walk in God’s ways. They should be true of us just as they should be of a king. Second, there are nuances in these terms that speak to the heart and mind, just as they do the actions we are to take. Third, they not only have to do with our reflecting Christ as an individual, but how any role, at any level, at any time should be executed. In other words, these expectations are not reserved for a specific position or person. Here’s a quick look at each:
- Statutes – this is God’s written Law; the standard by which we are to measure and weigh ourselves against.
- Commandments – what He has called or told us to do
- Rules – what God has determined to be right and wrong
- Testimonies – we are to “bear witness to what He has borne witness to…”; He testifies to what is true, and we too must represent the truth.
Meeting all the requirements of the law, both “ceremonial as well as moral”, Solomon’s strength as a man is to be demonstrated by the discipline of walking in God’s ways, as opposed to his own. God’s way is what God says in His Word, what God had told us to do, what God determines to be good and evil, and that we are to stand for what God stands for.
The result of walking in God’s ways
Of course, there is only upside in walking in God’s ways. Though the walk may be difficult, even painful, the outcomes are “heaven here on earth.” They are both what we might hope for, but everything this world, and the people we influence, desperately needs.
For Solomon, it meant that he would “prosper in all that he does and wherever he turns.” Imagine, being that effective in your job, or your family, or, whatever you chose to spend your time doing. You, as well as others, benefit when we walk in God’s ways.
God has determined what is right and good, and continues to communicate that to us, affirming what is true and providing the necessary markers, guard rails, and sign posts along the path. If we want to be truly successful, then it will only be possible when we ‘walk’ accordingly.
In walking in God’s ways, Solomon would also ensure the fulfillment of the promise God made to David, that “you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.” God was telling David is was all worth it–and that it would continue. Legacy can bring such deep satisfaction and be a key motivator, realizing that what God has accomplished through you will not end with you. At some point the torch will be passed, and God will continue to bless those that you have cared for by multiplying your ‘fruitfulness of faithfulness’ to the next generation.
David’s unfinished business
What follows David’s charge to Solomon to walk with God are some very specific instructions to his soon-to-be king on matters of state. Solomon’s ‘strength as a man’ would be tested by having to deal fatally with those that betrayed his father and king.
David may have appreciated his service as a captain in his army, but Joab went against David’s wishes in killing Abner and Amasa (two commanders in his army) in revenge. Not only killing in a time of peace, but, the way that he killed them. There was also the incident of killing Absalom (David’s other son) against his specific instructions. He instructed Solomon to “act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his (Joab’s) gray head go down to Sheol in peace.” (1 Kings 2:6)
There was also the issue with Shimei, who cursed David. You could call him an agitator, as he tried to stir up controversy around David and opposed his kingship. David had reason to believe that Shimei would do similarly with Solomon, and told his son that if that were the case, he was to execute him: “Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.” (1 Kings 2:9)
Isn’t it great being a king? However, those that opposed God’s ways and his choice for leaders will be dealt with, and severely in some cases. God keeps His promises of punishment as surely as His promises of blessing, and will protect you and guide you in the role he has called you to.
Our careful obedience will yield success in what God has called you to do. We should be concerned with your legacy; not just with how we’ll be remembered, but how future generations will experience the benefit or the detriment of our degree of adherence to God’s ways.
With his command and request made to his son, David breathes his last and is buried in the city of his name sake. Solomon is established as king.
Wisdom In All Things Special Series: Solomon’s Missteps, Misuses, and Just Plain Misses
Part 1 – Ask for Wisdom as Solomon Asked for Wisdom
Part 2 – The Rise and Fall of Solomon
Part 4 – Solomon’s Missteps as King
Part 5 – Solomon Makes His Request for Wisdom
Part 6 – The Kind of Request That Pleases God
Photo by Birger Strahl on Unsplash